Image: Supplied.

Serco Yamaha has drafted Rhys Budd alongside the returning Jesse Dobson for the 2023 Penrite ProMX and Australian Supercross Championships (AUSX), the Queesland-based duo a formidable line-up in the team’s quarter-litre assault.

Budd spent the previous two seasons with Yamalube Yamaha Racing, finishing third in national MX2 last year before elevating to second in the standings come the conclusion of 2022 ProMX.

The 21-year-old also finished fourth overall in SX2 as domestic supercross returned this year, notably winning the final main event in Newcastle’s Triple Crown, also gaining experience at an international level as a wildcard in round two of the World Supercross Championship (WSX) at Marvel Stadium.

Speed and potential were again shown by Dobson throughout 2022, and despite dealing with shoulder issues since round three of ProMX at Albury he was able to finish fourth in the MX2 standings.

After dislocating his shoulder at the Queensland Motocross Championships in Rockhampton, Dobson pushed through to land third overall at Queensland Moto Park one week later.

However, he dislocated his shoulder again during the final round at Coolum and ultimately underwent shoulder surgery following the event, which ruled him out of this year’s AUSX altogether with the aim of being 100 percent for the 2023 season.

Entering his third year with the organisation – notably finishing second in MX2 in 2021 with Serco – Dobson has already started the pre-season grind and is determined to park his YZ250F in the winner’s circle.

“We are happy to have Jesse and Rhys on board for next season,” said Serco Yamaha team owner Gavin Eales. “Both are Queensland based and close to the team base which is important these days as it makes putting support around them much easier. They are both good friends as well as hard workers and I think that will only elevate them as the year progresses.”

The eight-round 2023 Penrite ProMX Championship commences at Wonthaggi on 5 March, while next year’s AUSX calendar has not yet been revealed.